August 8 – 2 Samuel 1:11-16

August 8 – 2 Samuel 1:11-16

 

11  Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.  12  And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for Jonathan his son and for the people of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.  13  And David said to the young man who told him, “Where do you come from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a sojourner, an Amalekite.”  14  David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the LORDs anointed?”  15  Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” And he struck him down so that he died.  16  And David said to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

 

These scriptures give the distorted account of how the Amalekite struck down of the king.  After a period of deep grief and mourning David had the Amalekite killed. This passage ranges from emotions of deep grief to having the messenger killed. 

 

How does David justify having the Amalekite messenger killed?  Human emotions are complicated.  Have you every found yourself in a situation with emotions that complicate your life?  If we’re honest, we all have.  The Bible suggests when we face these feelings to acknowledge them, connect with other Christians, pray and seek God’s Word.